Seahawks Special Teams Coordinator Jay Harbaugh Emerges as Head Coach Candidate

Harbaugh's work with Seattle's special teams unit has impressed head coach Mike Macdonald ahead of Super Bowl 60.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:31am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Seattle Seahawks special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, the son of Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, has emerged as a potential head coaching candidate after impressing Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald with his work with the team's special teams unit. Macdonald, who previously worked with Jay Harbaugh at Michigan, praised Harbaugh's coaching abilities and the impact he's had on the Seahawks' special teams, which have been a strength for the team this season as they've reached Super Bowl 60.

Why it matters

The Harbaugh family has a strong coaching pedigree, with brothers John and Jim both having success as NFL head coaches. Jay Harbaugh's work with the Seahawks' special teams could position him to potentially follow in his family's footsteps and become a head coach in the near future, especially if the Seahawks have a strong showing in the Super Bowl.

The details

Macdonald first met Jay Harbaugh while interviewing for an opening at Michigan, where Jim Harbaugh was the head coach. Macdonald developed a friendship and appreciation for Jay Harbaugh's coaching abilities, and later convinced him to join the Seahawks' staff. Under Jay Harbaugh's leadership, the Seahawks' special teams unit has been a strength, ranking third in average yards per kick return and punt return.

  • Jay Harbaugh joined the Seahawks' coaching staff in 2024.
  • The Seahawks are set to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 on February 9, 2026.

The players

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who previously worked with Jay Harbaugh at Michigan.

Jay Harbaugh

The special teams coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, and the son of Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers and the father of Jay Harbaugh.

John Harbaugh

The former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens and brother of Jim Harbaugh.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I love bragging on Jay because he an underrated hero behind this whole operation. When I got to Michigan, it became very clear very quickly that this guy was a heck of a football coach. The way he got buy-in and the way he creatively coached these awesome fundamentals, and the guys love the process on special teams in college.”

— Mike Macdonald, Head Coach, Seattle Seahawks

What’s next

If the Seahawks have a strong performance in Super Bowl 60, Jay Harbaugh's name could start to surface as a potential head coaching candidate for other NFL teams in the offseason.

The takeaway

The Harbaugh family's coaching legacy continues to grow, with Jay Harbaugh emerging as a rising star in the NFL coaching ranks thanks to his work with the Seahawks' special teams unit. His success could pave the way for him to become a head coach in the near future, following in the footsteps of his father Jim and uncle John.